The boy chief was very cool as he took the pack of cards from the hand of the man who had held them.
"Release one of the prisoners," was his command. "The cards shall be shuffled again."
Once more Frank's hands were freed, and again the cards were given him to shuffle. He mixed them deftly, without saying a word, and gave them back to Muriel. Then his hands were tied, and he awaited the second drawing.
"Be careful an' not get two cards this time," warned Muriel as he faced Miller. "This draw settles ther business fer them-uns."
The cards were given to the man who was to hold them, and Miller stepped forward to draw.
Again the suspense became great, again the men leaned forward to see the card that should be pulled from the pack; again the hearts of the captives stood still.
Miller hesitated. He seemed to feel that the tide had turned against him. For a moment he was tempted to refuse to draw, and then, with a muttered exclamation, he pulled a card from the pack and held it up to view. Then, with a bitter cry of baffled rage, he flung it madly to the floor.
It was the queen of hearts!
Each man in the room seemed to draw a deep breath. It was plain that some were disappointed, and some were well satisfied.
"That settles it!" said Muriel, calmly. "They-uns won't be put out o' ther way ter-night."